![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2024\/08\/BlueWrenShuttle-11_06110.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
“Everyone needs to access the supermarket, post office, chemist and bank.<\/p>\n
“We will pick people up from their homes and stop at each location as needed, then take them home again.<\/p>\n
“On alternate weeks we will go to Bendigo Marketplace.”<\/p>\n
Ms Westhorpe is well-known in the community having previously owned Flossies Sweets and Treats which closed during COVID.<\/p>\n
“I took a twelve-month break,” she said. “Then one night a friend was going out and didn’t want to drive if she had a drink, so asked me to pick her up.<\/p>\n
“The next night I saw a car I liked on Facebook Marketplace and told my husband I might be on to something.<\/p>\n
“It was an eight-seater I could use for winery tours. “A few weeks later I purchased a mini-bus and now, three and a half years later we have five vehicles, including a wedding car.<\/p>\n
“On weekends we run winery tours and customers can have a drink without worrying about driving.”<\/p>\n
Getting started on the new service has not been easy for Ms Westhorpe.<\/p>\n
“I tried to obtain grants to help fund the service but kept getting doors slammed in my face,” she said. “Many said they wanted to help but couldn’t.<\/p>\n
“I tried to get a Cabcharge terminal so pensioners could use their taxi cards but even though I am a fully insured, registered service provider I can’t because I am not a taxi or Uber.<\/p>\n
“It’s a grey area; everyone knows it’s needed but no one knows how to help.<\/p>\n
“Knowing we have five vehicles available during the week and could do more to help our community is very frustrating.<\/p>\n
“Heathcote Community House and Mandalay are being very supportive, and I am grateful for that.”<\/p>\n
The first Blue Wren Shuttle Service to Bendigo will commence on 5 September, then 19 September, 3, 17 and 31 October.<\/p>\n
The service around Heathcote will continue on 12 and 26 September, and 10 and 24 October. Bookings need to be made 24 hours in advance by calling 0421 357 804.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A NEW shuttle service commenced in Heathcote yesterday, transporting residents from their homes to the shopping strip. The service will run fortnightly in conjunction with a service to Bendigo Marketplace on alternate weeks. Owner of Blue Wren Shuttle Services, Tracey Westhorpe said she saw a need for this kind of service, especially for older residents […]<\/p>\n